Head-to-head reliability
Volvo XC60 vs Toyota Camry
How the Volvo XC60 and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Volvo XC60 vs Toyota Camry: Over 10 years, the XC60 averaged 112.8 complaints per year and had 44 recalls, while the Camry averaged 205.6 complaints per year and had 31 recalls. The XC60's issues often involve electrical and driver-assistance systems, whereas the Camry's are more power train and engine related. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo XC60 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60 is a luxury compact SUV with a complex electrical and driver-assistance suite. Over 10 years, it averaged about 113 complaints per year, with electrical system issues dominating. Owners report battery problems, infotainment glitches, and unexpected automatic braking. While it has fewer annual complaints than the Camry, the nature of the issues can be frustrating and costly.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream midsize sedan known for reliability, but NHTSA data shows about 206 complaints per year over the past decade. Power train and engine issues are common, including hesitation, shuddering, and key removal problems. Brake and electrical complaints also appear. Despite its reputation, the volume of complaints suggests some owners face persistent problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo XC60 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,128 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 80 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 112.8 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 79 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Volvo XC60
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM427
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER206
- 03SERVICE BRAKES165
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE158
- 05LANE DEPARTURE98
Owners frequently report support battery failures for the start/stop system, causing warning messages and requiring service. Some also note unusual odors from the AC/heater vents, which may indicate battery or electrical issues. These problems can leave you stranded or lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints describe the automatic braking system activating unexpectedly, sometimes in clear intersections or when no obstacle is present. This can cause sudden stops and increase risk of rear-end collisions. Owners also report intermittent loss of power at highway speeds, which may be related to software glitches.
Some owners experience sudden unintended acceleration while braking, such as when turning into a parking space. The car may surge forward even with strong brake pressure. This is a serious safety concern that requires immediate attention.
Lane-keeping assist and steering intervention can malfunction, according to complaints. Drivers report unexpected steering inputs or warnings, which can be distracting or dangerous. These issues often tie back to the forward collision avoidance system.
“The support battery for start/stop started to show on the dash and tells me that service is required about 2 weeks ago. "THE LOCATION OF THE BATTERY IS MY CONCERN". A month ago, the air coming out from the vent of the ac/heater started to smell like a rotten…”
“Dear NHTSA, I would like to submit a safety complaint regarding my 2026 Volvo XC60 Ultra, purchased new and currently with approximately 5,939 miles. I am submitting this complaint because I have experienced repeated vehicle behaviors that I believe may have…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent key stuck issues where the ignition key cannot be removed even in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with the check engine light on. These problems can affect drivability and may lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic. Some also experience engine hesitation and shuddering, as noted in power train complaints.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring towing and switch replacement. Owners also report clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, attributed to the ABS system. While some noises are normal, persistent issues can indicate a defect.
Multiple systems can malfunction simultaneously, including smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping. This suggests potential electrical or software faults that could compromise safety and require dealer diagnosis.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Volvo XC60 — 44 recalls
The defect: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improper…
The risk: If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.
The defect: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2017 S60 and S60 Cross Country, V60 and V60 Cross Country, and XC60 vehicles manufactured August 16, 2016, through October 21, 2016. The affected vehicles have driver and front passenger seat side mounted side air bags (SAB) with inflator in…
The risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front seat side air bags, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552.…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Volvo XC60 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Volvo XC60 has fewer complaints per year (about 113) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206). However, the XC60's issues often involve complex electrical and driver-assistance systems, while the Camry's are more traditional mechanical problems. In practice, the Camry may have more frequent complaints, but the XC60's problems can be harder to diagnose and repair.
Key differences
- Volvo XC60 has about 113 complaints per year vs. Toyota Camry's 206, but XC60 issues are more often electrical and driver-assistance related.
- Camry owners report power train and engine problems like key stuck and hesitation, while XC60 owners report unexpected automatic braking and battery failures.
- The XC60 has 44 recalls over 10 years, compared to 31 for the Camry, indicating more frequent recall campaigns for the Volvo.
- Camry has 1 death reported in crash-related complaints, while XC60 has 0 deaths, though both have injuries (79 for XC60, 158 for Camry).
- Check for start/stop battery health and any warning messages related to the support battery; a failing battery can cause electrical gremlins.
- Test the forward collision avoidance and lane departure systems during a test drive to ensure they don't activate unexpectedly or malfunction.
- Verify that the ignition key can be removed easily when the car is in Park; if it sticks, it could be a sign of a power train defect.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and test the electronic parking brake to ensure it disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for outstanding recalls on both models.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic specializing in the respective brand, focusing on electrical and driver-assistance systems for the XC60 and power train/engine for the Camry.
- During a test drive, specifically test all driver-assistance features (automatic braking, lane keeping) and note any unexpected behavior.
- For the Camry, test the key removal and throttle response; for the XC60, check battery health and infotainment functionality.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for software updates and battery replacements.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Volvo XC60 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 15 | 0 |
| 2025 | 37 | 163 |
| 2024 | 46 | 50 |
| 2023 | 216 | 64 |
| 2022 | 370 | 61 |
| 2021 | 124 | 157 |
| 2020 | 88 | 274 |
| 2019 | 108 | 395 |
| 2018 | 108 | 744 |
| 2017 | 16 | 148 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Volvo XC60 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo XC60 vs Toyota Camry
- Volvo XC60 total complaints
- 1,128
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Volvo XC60 total recalls
- 44
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volvo XC60 avg complaints/year
- 112.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Volvo XC60
- Volvo XC60 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN